ICAN/ATEX: How can I remove stains from terrazzo floors?

Many cleaning professionals visit the International Custodial Advisers Network (ICAN) Ask the Experts page for insight and, every business day, we deliver advice to better help you perform your job.

Friday’s Question:

I have a newly renovated terrazzo floor and, within the last few months, we have had big dark stains appear in the tiles.

When we strip floor, the stains are remaining.

Has anyone had problems with these type stains and, if you have, can anything be done to remove them?

Friday’s Answer:

The terrazzo matrix has a porous cement in it and spills can seep down into the pores.

At this point, no one likely remembers what was spilled or when, so this may be a challenge.

The next time you strip off the topical finish, make a poultice of an absorbent material such as baking soda and place it on the spot with the expectation that the soda, as it dries, will pull the oil or whatever up from the porous material … -Lynn E. Krafft, ICAN/ATEX editor.